It’s safe to say Notre Dame fans are excited about the hiring of Marcus Freeman as their new defensive coordinator. Freeman is an impressive young coordinator who turns just 35 today.
Freeman comes from Cincinnati where he helped turn the Bearcats into a team worthy of a top ten ranking at this season’s end, as they finished the year 10-1 and seconds from a Sugar Bowl victory over Georgia.
Realted: 10 facts about Notre Dame’s new defensive coordinator
On Sunday, Freeman shared a heartfelt goodbye to Cincinnati:
Forever a Bearcat! 🔴⚫️ pic.twitter.com/AMAMamvnLS
— Marcus Freeman (@Marcus_Freeman1) January 10, 2021
As we begin our new journey in South Bend, I would like to thank the many individuals who have impacted our lives over the past four years.
Coach Fickell – You’ve been my leader and my mentor since I was 17-years old. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be a part of your staff, and your family. You took a chance on a first-time defensive coordinator and I can’t thank you enough for your guidance, lessons, and leadership. You have helped me be a better husband, father, son, coach and friend. We will miss you and your family tremendously. You, Amy, Landon, Ashton, Aydon, Laykon and Lucian mean the world to us, and we will cherish the incredible memories we’ve created together.
Coaching Staff – We were a team based on hard work, mutual cooperation and friendship. Success starts at the top, and we were blessed with the greatest leader. You are the best teammates I could ever wish for, from the laughs in the locker room, to the late nights in the office. From the celebrations after our victories, to the many stories that can’t be repeated in this letter… THANK YOU! Thank you for the memories.
University of Cincinnati Administration – Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work at one of the greatest universities in the world – and to be a part of ONE TEAM! Your continued support and trust on and off the field gave me the ability to serve our student-athletes with confidence and enthusiasm.
Bearcat Fans – Leaving you is extremely difficult. Your unwavering support and encouragement helped make the last four years an enormous success. Through wins and losses, you have remained dedicated and for that, I am grateful. It has been an honor to be a member of the Bearcat family. Thank you for having faith in us!
Current/Former Players – You are all my WHY, my motivation and my inspiration. Because of your sacrifice for the greater good of the TEAM, success has been achieved. I am proud of the young men you have become. Our relationships will last FOREVER!
Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!
With thanks and deepest appreciation to all,
The Freeman Family